Which federal program provides health insurance for people 65 and older and certain disabled individuals?

• A. Medicare
• B. Medicaid
• C. Long Term Care
• D. Home Health

Answer: (A)

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and for certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Eligibility usually begins at age 65 for those who have paid Medicare taxes through work; younger people qualify after receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for a period, or immediately in cases like end-stage renal disease or ALS. Medicare helps cover hospital care, doctor visits, and other medical services, with different parts that address hospital coverage, medical insurance, and prescription drugs. It can also cover some home health services when criteria are met. Medicaid, by contrast, is a needs-based program for low-income individuals and is not limited to age or disability status, while long-term care or home health refer to services rather than a comprehensive federal health insurance program.